Anyone who mountain bikes with children will inevitably come across Kids Ride Shotgun. The brand originates from New Zealand and was founded in 2017 by two MTB-enthusiast fathers, Tom Hayward and Dan Necklen. The idea arose from a very practical problem: the two wanted to mountain bike with their children but couldn't find a suitable solution for their full-suspension bikes. From initial prototypes for a front-mounted child seat, a brand developed that specializes entirely in mountain biking for parents and children. Today, in addition to the well-known Shotgun child seats, the product range includes accessories such as handlebars, footrests, and tow systems. With the tow rope, Kids Ride Shotgun has created a simple solution to a common problem: if the kids run out of steam on a climb, the ride doesn't have to end.
The Quick Fit MTB tow rope is a classic bungee towing system that stretches from 1,7 meters when unloaded to up to 3,3 meters. The polyester rope is designed for a load of up to 225 kilograms, making it suitable for both children and adults, according to the manufacturer. At just 250 grams, it remains pleasantly lightweight. The elastic construction offers a crucial advantage: when starting off, the force isn't transferred abruptly to the towed bicycle. The rope stretches, resulting in a significantly smoother transition – a real comfort benefit, especially for children. The key difference compared to the standard Kids Ride Shotgun MTB tow rope lies in the attachment method. While the classic model includes a stem loop that is placed over or around the stem, the Quick Fit combines this loop with a carabiner. This allows for particularly quick attachment to the towing bicycle and just as easy removal. Another interesting detail: the Quick Fit doesn't need to be carried in a bag. Its design allows it to be worn on the body.
The Quick Fit rope gives a high-quality impression right from the first touch. The rope is neatly finished and feels pleasantly soft and flexible. However, this very soft surface also has its drawbacks. You should be careful with Velcro fasteners. The material also doesn't react well to bushes and branches. In our test, the rope snagged threads relatively quickly when exposed to such contact. While this doesn't immediately impair its function, it does leave unsightly marks. On the other hand, installation is truly quick and easy. The included carabiner is particularly practical: it allows you to attach the rope to the bicycle using various mounting options. The classic stem mounting is practically instantaneous. This uncomplicated handling is a real advantage, especially if you only need the rope for a long climb and then want to stow it away again.
The Quick Fit's greatest strength, however, is revealed during acceleration. Thanks to its elastic construction, there's no harsh jolt when the pull is applied. Instead, the child is gently set in motion and then pulled smoothly upwards. This is significantly more comfortable, especially for smaller riders, and provides a much more controlled feel than a rigid rope. We also particularly appreciate the option of wearing the rope like a belt. It's easy to put on and hardly gets in the way while riding. This is a real advantage over other bungee systems that require a backpack for transport or have to be attached to the frame or carried over the shoulder. The Quick Fit is therefore not only quick to set up but also quick to pack away, and that makes all the difference in handling.
